Mexico City

Babero in Roma Norte is my go-to when I want to feel a little fancy without leaving the neighborhood: get the capellini with truffle sauce, it's rich, comforting, and worth every bite. Go hungry and bring someone you like talking to over a long dinner.

Bartola on Tabasco 189 in Roma Norte is the kind of spot you can hit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and never be let down, same crew behind one of my favorite restaurants in the city, so you know the quality is there. Everything on the menu is genuinely delicious, just go hungry.

Demi Bistro in Roma Norte is doing gourmet burgers right: brioche buns from Parvot, first grade meat sourced through the owner's butcher wife, and a two day French style onion reduction that makes the whole thing sing, all for around 185 pesos. Grab a seat in the brick storefront and order without overthinking it.

Go sit at the communal table at Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre in Roma Norte: no menu, just whatever corn magic they're working that day, explained dish by dish so you actually know what you're eating. Michelin starred but only 200 to 300 pesos a person, and great if you're flying solo.

Look for the buzzer marked PANADERÍA GALA on an unmarked door in Roma Norte, ring it, and step into Chef Eduardo García Guzmán's open bakery where you can watch everything being made. Grab a seat in the small area and enjoy something fresh while the whole production happens right in front of you.

Galea in Roma Norte is my go-to when I want pasta done right: order their signature dish without overthinking it, grab a table inside or on the sidewalk, and settle in for a long, unhurried meal. It's the kind of place that makes you want to linger over a second glass of wine.

Homare is a tiny 12 seat omakase spot in Roma Norte where chef Yoshi, who has 30+ years of experience from Osaka, turns out seriously high quality sushi in a hole in the wall setting. Go for the full omakase around $1000 MXN a person, open 1 to 11pm daily except Mondays.

Kill Bill on Orizaba 39 in Roma Norte is where you go for an omakase that just doesn't miss, every piece flawless and thoughtfully placed in front of you. It's the kind of quietly confident Japanese spot you want to keep to yourself, but I'm telling you anyway.

Nudo hides behind a boba shop on Tonalá, and it's worth seeking out: get the pork wontons in that spicy-sweet sauce and the Thai coconut ramen with lemongrass and chile, then finish with a taro tea that's perfectly balanced, not too sweet. Around $130 MXN a person for a meal that feels like a secret.

Orizaba 118 in Roma Norte is my go to for those odd hours when nothing else makes sense, open from 9:00 AM until 3:00 AM. Grab a table any time of day, it's got that lecture hall vibe that somehow works perfectly for long, easy meals with friends.

Piquette, in Roma Norte on Zacatecas 87, is your go-to for French bistro food without the stuffy prices: get the beef tartare, mussels in that secret sauce, and a glass from their excellent value wine list. Brick walls, bottles everywhere, and zero pretension, just really good food.

Lecure on Puebla 296 in Roma Norte is my go to for a relaxed sit down meal, open early until late (8:00 AM to 11:30 PM) so it fits whenever you're craving something good. Grab a table, settle in, and enjoy the easy neighborhood vibe.

Bagels Lepú on Coahuila 44 is my go to for a laid back coffee break in Roma Norte: grab a fresh bagel, order a good coffee, and snag a table outside to watch the neighborhood go by. It's casual, cozy, and perfect for a slow morning.

Brew Brew on Orizaba 96 is perfect for a laid back evening coffee, with casual seating that makes it easy to linger. Swing by in Roma Norte when you want good coffee without the rush of a daytime crowd.

Buna in Roma Norte is my go to for specialty coffee, but if you have time, swing by their roastery at Dr. Lucio 181 in Doctores: it's spacious, modern, and feels like the real heart of the operation. Grab a pour over and watch the roasting happen right in front of you.

Cafebrería El Péndulo in Roma Norte is where you go when you want to linger: shelves of books wrap around you while you sip coffee at a little table tucked between the stacks. It's perfect for a slow afternoon, book in one hand, cappuccino in the other, no rush to leave.

Also in Polanco

Grab a green table right on Plaza Rio de Janeiro and let Café Trucha spoil you with breakfast plates that look almost too pretty to eat (almost). It's the kind of Roma Norte morning that makes you linger over coffee way longer than planned.

Cara de Taza in Roma Norte feels like sipping coffee inside a maximalist fever dream: tropical jungle vibes, a leafy garden, and shelves styled like an art concept store, all served on dishware designed by sculptor Isai Pineda. Go for the coffee, stay to admire every decorative detail.

Cuarentena Baking on Puebla 57 is impossible to miss with its pink storefront, and the pastry display window alone is worth the stop. Grab something fresh from the case and a coffee, it's the perfect low key bakery pit stop in Roma Norte.

Delirio on Colima 114 is my go to in Roma Norte: the pastry case alone (those croissants) is worth the trip, and the industrial, light filled space makes it easy to linger with a coffee or a glass of wine. Grab a seat, pick up some goods to go, and enjoy one of the best bakery cafes around.

Futari on Colima 152 is your spot for a clean, minimalist moment in Roma Norte: a yellow bar counter, serious espresso, and matcha done right. Grab a seat, slow down, and enjoy the quiet Japanese aesthetic while you sip something excellent.

Jellyfish on Medellín is less a café and more a tiny sanctuary for reading, listening, and dreaming: vinyl spinning, chess set out, bookshelves everywhere, soft lamp light making you forget Roma Norte buzzes outside. Grab a tea or beer, sink into the leather sofas, stay a while (reservations help, it's small).

Polilla, on Frontera 146 in Roma Norte, is my go to for getting lost in Latin American literature: grab a matcha or coffee, pick up a notebook for your own scribbles, and settle in for a slow afternoon. It's small, calm, and exactly the kind of spot worth lingering in.

Betobeto on Guanajuato 133 in Roma Norte is a safe bet when you want everyone to have a good time: great music, good drinks, and service that actually makes you feel welcome. Get there early, it fills up fast and the vibe only gets better as the night goes on.

Café de Nadie on Chihuahua 135 is small, intimate, and always packed with great energy: go for the seasonal cocktails made with whatever fruits or veggies are in season, stay for the music that hits just right. Honestly one of my favorite spots in Roma Norte, 100% worth it.

Janis on Querétaro 211 in Roma Norte is my go to for dancing, the music and service are always on point. There's a cover, but the tasteful decor and gorgeous lighting make it worth it, you really won't want to leave.

Librería Valladolid on Tabasco 321 feels like sneaking into a secret study with really good cocktails: floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, warm low light, and cozy corners made for lingering. Go for an intimate date or a quiet drink with one friend, it's that kind of sophisticated, hushed spot.

Primitivo, tucked inside a market on Querétaro 225 in Roma Norte, is one of those hidden bars that feels like a discovery every time: great music, plenty to look at, and an atmosphere worth the cover charge. Service can be hit or miss, but it's a solid 10/10, go anyway.

Cara de Planta in Roma Norte is a playful little ceramic art space with handmade pieces always on display and for sale, perfect for a quick browse or a one of a kind gift. It's just a 3 minute walk from the neighborhood's best ice cream shop, so make an afternoon of it.

Gita in Roma Norte is a standout yoga studio with some of the city's most highly rated instructors. If you want a proper practice instead of a touristy flow class, this is the spot to book.

Kinshasa, en Querétaro 225, es el roof bar tropical perfecto para una tarde o noche en Roma Norte: buena onda, DJs con afrohouse, techno y ritmos tropicales, ideal para bailar y socializar con un buen trago en mano. Es de los creadores de Bombasa en Puerto Escondido, así que ya sabes que la vibra está garantizada.

Apuntes in Roma Norte makes handmade notebooks right in front of you, with an on-site workshop where you can watch artisans at work. Go for the Mexican-inspired, minimalist designs (ruled, grid, dot or blank pages), and grab a pen or postcard while you're there.

Golden Goose Haus sits inside a beautiful old Roma Norte building, with a courtyard entrance that opens up into a concept store and gallery space full of colorful, playful art installations. It's worth popping into just to wander and see how they've styled each room.

Abismo in Condesa is where chef Arama Abisai turns impeccably fresh seafood into something special, the kind of spot you want to linger over with good wine and better company. Go hungry and let the kitchen guide you, it's a love letter to the sea done right.

Baldío, on Antonio Sola in Condesa, turns local ingredients into something quietly brilliant through traditional techniques and a genuine zero waste ethos. Go with the tasting menu and let them show you how little needs to be wasted to make something memorable.

Budapest Café in Condesa feels like stepping into another era, packed with vintage antiques that make you want to linger for hours. Go for Turkish coffee and Sacher torte (or a glass of wine if you're feeling fancy), it's perfect for a slow, time-traveling afternoon.

Chilpa on Chilpancingo 25 in Condesa is my second stop for a reason: five proteins, your pick of sauces, and a habanero salsa that actually brings the heat. All that for 65 pesos, so go hungry and don't skip the habanero.

Feral on Av. México is Paola Sepúlveda's spot in Condesa, and every dish has real personality, bold flavors, unexpected plating, nothing boring on that menu. Grab a seat and let the kitchen surprise you.

Frituur on Campeche 276 serves surprisingly authentic Dutch comfort food in the middle of Condesa, think proper fries and croquettes done right. Expect a wait since it's always packed, but budget around $450-550 MXN per person and go hungry, it's worth every minute in line.

If you want real Nashville hot chicken in Condesa, Hot Mama's Whiskey Kitchen on Alfonso Reyes nails it: crispy, properly spicy, and balanced with sweet pickled peppers. Get the mac and cheese topped with chicken strips or the flaming hot nachos, order a cocktail, and stay for the live music.

La Esquina del Chilaquil on Alfonso Reyes 139 in Condesa is worth the wait (and yes, you'll probably wait, it's that popular): their chilaquiles rojos topped with crispy milanesa and crema are the move. Get there early or be ready to hang out for 30 minutes, it's completely worth it.

Lindy in Condesa feels intimate and warm, Chef Alan Feldman's take on comfort food hits every time: the NYC-style burger with its daily-baked brioche bun and black pepper sauce is a must, but don't sleep on the oysters or the Green Goddess salad. Save room for flan.

Madonna just opened a new spot in Condesa and it's as solid as ever: go for the carbonara, which is rich and perfectly done, or the truffle pizza if you're craving something indulgent. Either way, you're set for an excellent meal.

Oli, tucked into Condesa, is the kind of neighborhood spot you want to keep returning to: sourdough with incredible oil, a cold garlic and grape soup that converts skeptics, and capellini al limón that's gone properly viral among locals. Save room for the rice pudding soft serve with toffee, it's worth it.

Borel on Fernando Montes de Oca is my go to in Condesa when I want more than just a quick coffee: the space feels modern and warm with pendant lighting and a wine display, the pastry case is full of fresh baked goods, and both the coffee and the food are genuinely good.

Chiquitito Café on Alfonso Reyes 232 is my go to spot in Condesa for a slow morning: big windows, hanging greenery everywhere, and a plant filled patio that's perfect for people watching. Grab an outdoor table with your coffee and just soak in the neighborhood vibe for a while.

Farmacia Internacional in Condesa is my go to for a quick, well made coffee when you're wandering the neighborhood, the storefront is sleek and contemporary without trying too hard. There's also a Roma location if you end up over there instead.

Also in Centro Histórico

Bijou Drinkery in Condesa is my go to when I want a proper cocktail without the scene: low light, careful pours, and a bartender who actually listens to what you're in the mood for. Perfect for starting a night slow before hitting the neighborhood's livelier spots.

Caimán on Nuevo León 120 in Hipódromo is a small gem with a killer drinks menu, perfect if you love exploring botanicals in your cocktails. The music is spot on all night, making it an easy pick for a low key but memorable evening in Condesa.

El Espantoso in Condesa just got a remodel and it shows: cool, moody vibes with vinyl records spinning and live music most nights. It's the kind of spot where you walk in for one drink and end up staying for three, so go when you've got nowhere else to be.

Gin Gin in Condesa feels like a London pub reimagined for a Mexico City night out, all gin based cocktails, classics and clever signatures, with a DJ keeping things lively. It's great for a date or a group, cozy enough to talk, fun enough to stay for a few rounds.

Revela, tucked into Condesa (05100), is a proper old school photobooth that still spits out real film strips with multiple frame options. Pop in after a wander through the neighborhood for a tiny analog souvenir of the trip.

For All Folks in Condesa is my go to for clean beauty and personal care products, the kind of shop where you can actually trust what's on the shelves. Great for restocking skincare essentials or finding a thoughtful gift while you wander the neighborhood.

Octante on Álvaro Obregón 266 in Condesa is your spot for proper stationery: Hobonichi agendas, Mr. Rouges notebooks, Moleskines, quality inks and pens, Stabilo markers and stickers for decorating your pages. They also have great backpacks and gorgeous pen sets worth browsing.

Green Corner in Condesa is the organic, sustainable-fishing side project from the folks behind Sente, so you know the produce and seafood are handled with real care. Worth popping into if you want to grab clean, quality ingredients while you're already in the neighborhood.

Arrco, tucked away on Lisbon in Juárez, is where chef Álvaro Vázquez blends art, community, and gastronomy into one warm space. Go for a meal that feels like a small cultural event, not just dinner.

Balagán in Juárez starts as a solid dinner spot and slides effortlessly into a nightlife scene as the night goes on, with great music and a vibe that keeps you there longer than planned. Order the espresso martini, it's genuinely one of the best in the city.

Cantón Mexicali in Juárez is incredible, 100% worth it: Mexicali-style Chinese food in a spot that's as photogenic as it is delicious, perfect for a cute outfit and good drinks at accessible prices. Book ahead, it fills up fast and you'll want the time to soak it all in.

Darosa in Juárez does a lasagna that's worth the trip on its own: rich, comforting, and exactly what you want on a chilly Mexico City night. Grab a table and go straight for it, you won't regret it.

Fierro, on Marsella in Juárez, is chef Lucía Cañas doing northern Mexican cooking right: order the carnitas, get a spritz, and settle in. It's the kind of place made for a long, unhurried dinner with good conversation.

Lumpy's in Juárez (Londres 117) nails Nashville style fried chicken: juicy inside, shatteringly crisp outside, with sauces from buffalo to real deal spicy. Get tenders or the burger with mac and cheese, and save room for the chocolate chip cookie with chocolate milk.

Pandora Rooftop in Juárez is your move for a date night or celebration worth dressing up for: candlelit tables, lush greenery, and a menu that nails it, from ceviche and tuna tostadas to grilled octopus and filet mignon that steals the show. Upscale, not touristy, open late (closed Mon/Tue).

Café La Habana in Juárez has been pouring coffee since 1952, and you can still feel the old-school, literary energy in every corner. Grab a cafecito where Castro, Che, García Márquez, and Octavio Paz once sat scheming and writing, it's a perfect spot to slow down and soak in some real Mexico City history.

Café Nin on Havre 73 feels like stepping into an old European salon, with exposed brick, vintage furniture, and a gold chandelier that somehow makes your morning coffee feel like an occasion. Grab a table in Juárez and linger a while, it's that kind of spot.

El Minutito on Londres 28 in Juárez is a tiny vintage cafe with serious design charm, from the rows of white oval pendant lights overhead to the quietly cool details throughout. Stop in for quality coffee and fresh pastries, it's the kind of spot you linger in longer than planned.

Abrazarnos in Juárez is one of my favorite nights out in the city: multiple rooms, each with its own mood, excellent drinks and music that actually makes you want to dance. The service is warm too, go with friends and plan to hop between rooms all night.

Ahorita Cantina on Reforma 390 is the new one from the Handshake crew, so you already know the cocktails are next level, author drinks built around Mexican spirits, no pretension. Go for the mixology, stay for the relaxed vibe that somehow still feels like a proper night out.

Cantina Lupita, on Hamburgo 268 in Juárez, nails that red and gold modern-cantina look, with craft beer, cozy private booths and dominoes on the table for a proper night in. It's the kind of new-school spot cool enough that Rosalía's dropped by, and its spirit lives on in Carajo María too.

Carajo María en Juárez es la cantina moderna perfecta para arrancar la noche: interiores oscuros y elegantes, buena carta de vinos (blanco, rosado, tinto, verde) y cocteles sólidos. Pide el taco de camarón con parmesano y el de ribeye adobado, ideal para una cita o para ir con amigos.

Chao Chao in Juárez is the spot for a cocktail menu that actually won best in Mexico, with drinks inspired by the Chinese zodiac. Pair them with their oriental dishes made specifically to complement each sign's cocktail, it's a genuinely thoughtful night out.

Handshake in Juárez is the kind of place that makes you sit up a little straighter: moody lighting, sleek design, and bartenders who clearly take their craft seriously. Go for a perfectly made cocktail and the quiet thrill of a room that feels effortlessly elegant.

Hanky Panky in Juárez is the speakeasy you enter through a taco shop and exit through a Modelo cooler, with red lighting and a massive menu of creative cocktails. Settle in for at least three rounds, the bartenders turn every drink into a show, and it's easy to see why it ranks among North America's top 50 bars.

Aronis in Juárez is a contemporary art gallery with a gorgeous entrance and a partly open-air layout, showing rotating exhibitions heavy on textiles and mixed media. It's just steps from Cara de Planta, so make an afternoon of both.

Charco, on Guatemala 24 in Centro Histórico, is where chef Ricardo Verdejo turns out relaxed, well-executed dishes that feel effortless but clearly aren't. Go when you want something unpretentious yet genuinely delicious, right in the heart of downtown.

If you want a quiet escape in the middle of Centro, El Colegio Nacional's bookstore cafe is it: a baroque courtyard with hanging plants and fruit trees, multi level shelves to get lost in, and good coffee and pastries while you read. It's peaceful, a little hidden, and perfect for a slow afternoon.

Mandrake Café sits in the plant-filled courtyard of Casa Petrea, a restored 19th-century mansion on Donceles, where original cantera stone walls make the perfect backdrop for a slow morning with a book. The coffee comes from a Chiapas cooperative, and the whole space feels calm enough to linger for hours.

El Colegio Nacional sits inside a gorgeous Baroque colonial building in Centro Histórico, with courtyards and galleries worth wandering even before you hit the bookstore and café. Grab a coffee, browse the shelves, then peek into whatever exhibition is up that week.

This upscale Centro Histórico bar feels like a love letter to generations past and futures yet to come, with sharp mixology, a killer music selection, and design that makes you want to linger. Order the Julieta or the May if you're in the mood for something fruity and sweet.

Cantina Tío Pepe in Centro Histórico has been pouring drinks since 1869, making it the oldest bar in CDMX, and the original fixtures and ornate details still stand. Presidents from Porfirio Díaz to Felipe Calderón have had a drink here, so pull up a stool and soak in the history with yours.

Casa Petrea sits on Donceles, one of the oldest streets in the Historic Center, its cantera stone facade recently restored to full 19th-century glory. Pop in while you're browsing the street's legendary bookstores: it's a quiet, beautiful detour into old Mexico City architecture.

El Desastre on San Francisco 233 in Del Valle is my go to for a slow morning: good coffee, shelves to get lost in, and enough reading nooks and work tables that you can stay all day. Open Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 20:00, Sunday until 15:00, perfect for a weekend wander in Nápoles.

Goma in Nápoles is my go to for stationery: notebooks in every color and style, plus greeting cards and postcards with genuinely unique, vibrant designs. Prices are clearly marked and the value for quality is hard to beat, easily one of my favorite shops in the area.

Also in Elsewhere in the city

Batta in Polanco is your spot for seriously fresh seafood: the sea urchin is the best (and only) version I've found anywhere in CDMX, and the foie gras with eel rolls is just as memorable. Go for quality ingredients done simply and well.

Richeese in Polanco is Chef Ricardo's temple to all things cheese: think sourdough baguettes oozing with molten fondue made from premium international cheeses, plus desserts that push the concept further than you'd expect. The guy's a world champion in cheese, so you're in very good hands here.

La Dolida on Masaryk is a solid pick in Polanco when you want a crowd that spans ages and tastes: the music mixes it up enough that nobody's stuck complaining, and the vibe is warm and lively without being overwhelming. Great for a family night out or drinks with friends, honestly a 10/10.

Aburiya Ebro, on Calle Ebro in Cuauhtémoc, is a tiny nigiri and ramen spot where the thick cut sashimi is a solid 10/10. Skip the overthinking and let the chef choose for you, since the fish selection changes daily and whatever they're excited about that day is what you want to eat.

Citizen in Cuauhtémoc is where you go when you want a cocktail that feels like it was thought through: herbs muddled just right, infusions that actually taste intentional. Perfect for a slower night out, order something off menu and let the bartender surprise you.

Ring the doorbell at Niña Oscura in Santa María la Ribera and step into a Porfiriato mansion packed with rare books, old vinyl, vintage movie posters, and a hemeroteca full of decades-old newspapers from around the world. The resident cats make it even better, so budget extra time to get lost in the stacks.

If you want serious sushi in Lomas, Ishi-Ko on Monte Athos is the move: the chutoro trufado and the thick-cut sashimi flight (seven varieties) show off fish quality that rivals anywhere in the city. It's the kind of place worth dressing up for, easily one of my favorite meals this year.

Bosque de Chapultepec is basically our Central Park, except twice the size, so give yourself real time to wander. Grab a coffee, stroll past the castle, and get lost among the trees: it's the easiest way to breathe in the city.

El Olvidado in Coyoacán feels like stepping into a Wes Anderson film: pastel walls, vintage boxes, and bakery displays styled with such charming, nostalgic precision you'll want to photograph every corner before you even order. Go for coffee, stay for the dreamy, storybook atmosphere.

Cha Cha Cha in San Rafael is your go to for a rooftop night out, with the kind of open air terrace that makes you want to linger over drinks for hours. Grab a cocktail, enjoy the skyline, and settle in for a laid back evening with friends.

Café de las Artes is your move after a Pilates class or dinner in San Ángel: it's set up for quick grab and go, but the seating is comfy enough to linger if you want. Perfect little pit stop to refuel without overthinking it.

You have to see Biblioteca Vasconcelos in Santa María la Ribera, the floating steel bookshelves and open atrium make it one of the most stunning interiors in the city. Even if you're not there to read, it's worth wandering through just to take in the architecture.

Arco is a cozy wine bar worth the trip even if it's out of the way, pour yourself a great glass and order the tuna tostada: it's one of the best in the city, crisp, fresh, and perfectly balanced. Go early for a quiet night or with friends for something more lively.

Cortile is worth the trip for the tagliolini tartufo alone: silky house made pasta tossed with truffle in a way that feels indulgent but not over the top. Go with people you like talking to, this is a lingering, slow dinner kind of place.

Hacienda de los Morales feels like stepping into another century: a colonial courtyard draped in ivy, terracotta walls warmed by centuries of history on land once granted by Hernán Cortés to Moctezuma's daughter. Come for a long, unhurried lunch and let the setting do half the talking.

If you want a weirdly romantic afternoon, book a private cabin on the ferris wheel at Parque Urbano Aztlán: air conditioning, Bluetooth for your own playlist, a mini fridge, and 45 minutes of slow spinning over the city while you work through a cheese board and wine.

If you want a quiet, cathedral like space to disappear into, head to Biblioteca Nacional de México inside Ciudad Universitaria: the stained glass and multi level halls are stunning, and by law it holds a copy of basically everything printed in Mexico.